Cheesy Zucchini Fritters (Ae-hobak-jeon)
Perfect for Kids’ Meals & Makgeolli! Easy Cheesy Zucchini Fritter Recipe
Discover the delightful ‘Cheesy Zucchini Fritters’, a perfect blend of sweet zucchini and creamy mozzarella cheese. Even picky eaters will love these! The fritters boast a crispy exterior and a tender, chewy interior, tasting even better as they cool. Elevate your meals and snacks with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 Zucchini (approx. 200g)
- 2-3 slices Mozzarella cheese (approx. 50g)
- 1 cup Pancake mix (approx. 100g)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 pinch Salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into rounds about 1cm thick. Before slicing completely, you’ll make cuts into the center of each slice. Make 2-3 deep slits into the center of each zucchini round. This cutting technique will make it much easier to insert the cheese later.
Step 2
If this is your first time making these, you might find it tricky to cut through the center of a whole zucchini without it breaking. For beginners, it’s easier to make the slits first and then slice the zucchini into rounds. Making the slits beforehand helps prevent the soft zucchini from crumbling.
Step 3
Continue making slits and slicing the zucchini into 1cm thick rounds, creating openings to stuff with cheese. Think of it like preparing for a sandwich, where you’re making space between two layers.
Step 4
It’s essential to use mozzarella cheese for this recipe. Sliced mozzarella works perfectly and is very convenient. You can also use shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have, but avoid using cheddar cheese. Cheddar’s flavor doesn’t pair as well with zucchini when melted. You can cut the cheese slices into 4 or 9 pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 5
Gently insert the cut mozzarella cheese pieces into the slits of the zucchini slices. If you’ve cut the cheese into 4 larger pieces, some might stick out slightly from the zucchini.
Step 6
Using 9 smaller pieces will allow the cheese to fit snugly inside. If cheese does spill out, you can gently fold the zucchini around it, or simply leave it as is. The melted cheese oozing out is part of the delicious charm!
Step 7
In a bowl, crack in 2 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Whisk the eggs gently with a whisk until well combined and smooth. The salt helps to balance the flavor and remove any eggy smell.
Step 8
Coat each cheese-stuffed zucchini slice evenly and thoroughly with the pancake mix. Tap off any excess flour; a thin coating will result in a crispier fritter.
Step 9
Dip the flour-coated zucchini slices into the beaten egg, ensuring they are well-covered on all sides. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the egg-coated zucchini slices into the pan.
Step 10
Because the egg coating can brown quickly, it’s crucial to cook these over low heat to ensure the zucchini cooks through without burning the coating. Fry them until both sides are golden brown and the zucchini is tender. Cooking slowly on low heat allows the cheese to melt and become deliciously gooey without scorching.
Step 11
Your delicious ‘Cheesy Zucchini Fritters’ are ready! The natural sweetness of the zucchini, its tender bite, and the creamy mozzarella cheese create a wonderful flavor combination. While delicious warm, they are arguably even better when cooled slightly, as the cheese firms up, adding a pleasant chewiness. They may look similar to regular zucchini fritters, but the taste difference is remarkable!
Step 12
These ‘Cheesy Zucchini Fritters’ are a game-changer for kids who aren’t fans of zucchini! The savory cheese makes them irresistible, leading to requests for more. Their delightful taste even after cooling makes them perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special snack. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a unique and delicious twist to traditional zucchini fritters!
